Meet: Matthew Brewbaker

Sep. 3, 2013

Benjamin Roberts / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Written by

Alesha L. Crews

Iowa City Press-Citizen

Why you should know him: Matthew Brewbaker, 44, is the director of Dreamwell Theatre’s latest production, “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” which opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Iowa City. The comedy follows a lawyer who travels to Purgatory to argue for the forgiveness of Judas Iscariot. During the trial, famous historical figures ranging from Sigmund Freud to Mother Theresa to Satan himself testify. The Pennsylvania native, who has been involved with Dreamwell for more than a decade, lives in North Liberty with his wife, Kristin.

I was attracted to this script because: It gives us the opportunity, in the intimate setting that we perform, to take full advantage of that fact that this is about telling a great story. ... It’s such a beautiful, honest, simple story.

The play explores the themes of: On the surface it’s all about a quest for forgiveness for Judas, but it really becomes about all these characters’ quests for forgiveness and coming to terms with the idea that they are allowed to ask for it. A lot of the characters don’t feel like they deserve it.

The show will be appealing to audiences because: It’s a lot of fun. It’s interactive without being in your face. It’s interactive in an energy level; the play is going to be more enjoyable for everybody the more the audience and actors get into it together. It’s very funny and very poignant at times.

I’d like to someday direct: Everybody looks up to Shakespeare. If all the circumstances were correct, I’d like to be involved in a production of “Macbeth.”

Lately I’ve been listening to: Tom Waits’ “Blood Money” album is in my rotation right now. It feels right for this play because it’s kind of gritty.

My favorite place to eat in the area is: Orchard Green.

If I could go anywhere tomorrow, I’d choose: Edinburgh, Scotland.

When I’m not working, you can find me: My wife and I love fine dinning, we brew our own beer and enjoy spending time with our cats, dog and family.

I live by the words: “Happy is he who has been able to learn the causes of things,” written by Virgil in the “Georgics.”